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I recently came across the following quote, “We do not see things as
they are; we see things as
we are.” As a psychologist, this immediately appealed to me. It offers insight regarding how each of us has a unique set of perspectives and ideas based on a complicated mix of experiences, genes, circumstances, and exposure. In a word, it describes what it means to be part of a diverse community and world. Our ability to see things as
they are is informed by who
we are.
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End-of-year giving: A huge THANK YOU
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By Dana Rubin • Development Director
On behalf of over 13,000 clients, our staff and the community, THANK YOU for continuing to support JFCS. The end of 2018 was exciting and humbling for our fundraising efforts at JFCS. We hosted our most successful Annual Benefit, raising over $625,000 to support programs for children and unrestricted funds, and our Annual Give Campaign exceeded our goal by over $70,000. We raise funds because there is an ongoing need in our community for a place to turn, a helpful hand, an advocate, and a friend, and JFCS fulfills that need.
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New Year’s resolutions that lead to aging successfully
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By Annette Sandler • Aging Services Director
Welcome to 2019 – the time of year when many people are making New Year’s resolutions, and doing their best to keep them. I researched the most common resolutions for seniors and they are as you would anticipate – eat healthy, exercise more, keep busy. It is easy to make those resolutions, but difficult to keep them. Following are a few tips to help you age successfully.
Senior Services Sponsors: Anonymous (2), Kelen Family Foundation, Elyse Rabinowitz & Jim Porter, The Oren and Sharron Steinfeldt Foundation
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Join us for JFCS Volunteer Information Night on Jan. 28
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Did you know that Minneapolis/St. Paul is ranked #1 in volunteering among U.S. cities, and #2 for volunteering among states in the U.S.? Help keep this proud tradition strong and become a JFCS volunteer this year!
JFCS has a variety of volunteer experiences and we would love to share them with you. Whether you are looking for one-time volunteering or doing so on a regular basis, we have the right fit for you! Join us in the JFCS Community Room for a light nosh as we share information about volunteering throughout our agency, which includes: Annual Benefit and Hag Sameach committee positions, family volunteering, working with seniors, The Jewish Big Brother/Big Sister Program and so much more. We will find the ideal volunteering experience for you!
JFCS Volunteer Information Night
Monday, Jan. 28 @ 7-8 p.m.
Jewish Family and Children's Service of Minneapolis
5905 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley
Please note: this event is for new, current and past volunteers!
For more information contact Dana Shapiro,
Community and Volunteer Engagement Coordinator & Intake Counselor
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MLK Day of Service, social justice and how to
make a difference everyday
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By Leah Persky • Family Life Education Program Manager
Monday, Jan. 21, was MLK Day of Service. This annual event is not only an excellent opportunity to focus on the life and teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King and the many other leaders of the civil rights movement, but also a time to re-focus attention on the power of social activism and social justice. Each year on this day there are so many ways to honor the work and legacy of Dr. King. Many schools, cities, and organizations hold events and activities.
The richness and complexity inherent to MLK’s story and the civil rights movement is one that is too big to do justice in this short column. MLK Day of Service can also bring focus to how we, as members of families and communities, can bring the tenets of social justice, empathy and activism into our everyday life. Social justice is something we can bring with us every day, not just on MLK Day.
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The hidden face of hunger
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By Clare Gravon • Food Security Program Coordinator
In my role as Food Security Program Coordinator at Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Minneapolis, I spend most of my time in community settings talking to people about food resources – especially the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps. At JFCS, we know it’s hard to think about a job search, or your child's development, when you don’t know how you will eat tomorrow.
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Do you have questions about your child's behavior?
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Do you ever wonder if your child's tantrums are normal? Or if your kids fight too much? Children and parents face unique challenges. JFCS counselors are expertly trained and can help strengthen families. We provide care for people of all ages, and all backgrounds. We accept most insurance and you don’t have to be Jewish to receive services. Our counselors are thoughtfully matched to best meet your needs and identify goals and solutions to help your family thrive.
If you have questions and don't know where to begin we can help.
Our counseling provides highly skilled, licensed and confidential, compassionate care.
>Just call JFCS at 952-546-0616 or
Counseling Founding Sponsor: Lynne and Andrew Redleaf Foundation
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Introducing JFCS Community Conference Coordinator Sharon Goldetsky
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Two of the largest conferences that JFCS co-sponsors are the Mental Health Education Conference (held each fall) and Conference for Caregivers (held in spring every other year). Sharon Goldetsky, who was recently hired as the JFCS Community Conference Coordinator, is in charge of organizing both these events. She recently spoke about why this position appealed to her, what makes these events unique in the Twin Cities, and why supporting caregivers of people with dementia is so important.
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Sticks and stones:
Changing our vocabulary to avoid using “ableist” language
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By Stacey Spencer • Inclusion Program Manager
My friend who works in sales once told me a story. It was shortly before Black Friday and he and a few of his co-workers were gathered around the computer looking at their competitors’ websites when his co-worker blurted out, “Look at their promotions – that is so retarded!” Nobody said anything, and the small group fell into a quiet, awkward silence. The co-worker didn’t understand everyone’s reaction to what he said. “What’s the big deal?” he asked. “It’s just words. I have used that same word since I’ve been a kid!”
Inclusion Founding Sponsor: Lynne and Andrew Redleaf Foundation
Sponsor: Toodie & Frank Trestman Special Needs and Collaborative Education Endowment Fund, a designated fund of the Jewish Community Foundation of the Minneapolis Jewish Federation.
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Upcoming events: Please join us
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Shalom Baby Circle Time
Sunday, Jan 27 @ 3:30-5 p.m.
JFCS Volunteer Info Night
Monday, Jan 28 @ 7-8 p.m.
Professional Networking Group
Wednesday, Feb 6 @ 9-11 a.m.
PJ Library Traveling Havdalah
Saturday, Feb 9 @ 5-6:30 p.m.
Shalom Baby Shower
Sunday, Feb 24 @ 10-1130 a.m.
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Jewish Family and Children's Service of Minneapolis | www.jfcsmpls.org
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